Shale gas: A renaissance in US manufacturing?

February 2012

At a glance

Shale gas is a viable alternative energy source that has drawn large investment and discussion as the United States pursues a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix. This report from PwC explores the potential benefits and limiting factors for shale gas production, such as a possible increase of 1 million manufacturing jobs by 2025 and lower feedstock and energy costs.

During the last couple of years, increased commercialization of alternative energy has ushered in mounting debate on the impact--or lack of impact--that the deployment of new energy sources has on US job creation. Shale gas is one such alternative energy source that has drawn momentous investment and discussion as the country pursues a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.

In Shale Gas: a renaissance in US manufacturing? We explore the potential benefits and the potential limiting factors for shale gas. Key findings, based on high recovery of shale gas and low prices of natural gas are:

US manufacturing companies could employ approximately one million more workers by 2025.

Lower feedstock and energy cost could help US manufacturers reduce natural gas expenses by as much as $11.6 billion annually through 2025.